News and Perspectives from Pacific Gas and Electric Company

5 p.m. Update: PG&E has increased security today as a result of the incident at the Metcalf Transmission Substation in Santa Clara County. The company is working in close coordination with local agencies.

PG&E has security measures in place, and the company constantly evaluates the security of all of its facilities. PG&E takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety of the public and employees around its electric facilities. That includes a commitment from PG&E to keeping facilities secure so that customers are provided safe and reliable electric service.

Here is the Original Story that was Posted at 1 p.m.:

California’s grid operator is calling for residents in Northern California, and especially in Santa Clara County, to conserve electricity after numerous gunshots caused extensive damage to a PG&E substation earlier today (April 16).

Put off tasks like vacuuming, laundry, dishwashing and computer time, if possible.

Early this morning, numerous gunshots caused extensive damage to the Metcalf Transmission Substation south of San Jose. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation.

PG&E is assessing the damage and might take additional equipment at the substation out of service.

The incident did result in an oil leak and PG&E’s environmental team is working with local agencies to address the leak. Transformer oil is a highly refined mineral oil that is stable at high temperature and has excellent electric insulating properties.

The substation is located off Metcalf Road between Highway 101 and Monterey Road.